Course Modules V. Energy in buildings
When analyzing photovoltaics only, the most important energy flows are the solar radiation on the solar panels and resulting electric energy flow from these panels. When these panels are integrated into buildings as with BIPV, a much more elaborate approach is required. Since the photovoltaic elements become a structural part of a building other effects of this integration take place, such as lightning-, thermal-, structural and even acoustic aspects. Together with these effects, the rules and regulations around the BIPV elements also become more complicated.
This module consists of different courses that deal with different types of energy flows in buildings, it not only introduces the students into this matter, but also invites students to research and design with these topics.
After successfully completing the module on ENERGY IN BUILDINGS, the student:
- Understands how environmental elements influence the energy flows in a building, including:
o Heat flows
o Lighting (natural / artificial)
o Ventilation (passive / active)
o Solar energy (passive / PV)
o Acoustics
- Understands how the design of a building influences the aforementioned elements
- Knows what kind HVAC systems to choose for different situations
- Is able to make a detailed energy model for a simple building
- Is able to use specific software for energy modelling and PV generation
- Understands how the implementation of BIPV influences the energy flows in a building
- Knows where to find local building rules and regulations and how to apply them
